Gary O’Neil recently revealed the reasoning behind his decision to substitute Mario Lemina at halftime during Wolves’ match against Brighton.
Despite falling behind 2-0 due to goals from Danny Welbeck and Evan Ferguson, Wolves managed to secure a draw against Brighton with a late strike from Matheus Cunha in the 93rd minute, following a strong play by Tommy Doyle. Rayan Ait-Nouri and Cunha’s goals sparked jubilant celebrations among the Wolves supporters.
This hard-fought point may serve as a turning point for Wolves, boosting their confidence significantly. With a more favorable set of upcoming fixtures, the draw could potentially kickstart Wolves’ season.
Following the match, O’Neil mentioned that Lemina was taken off due to a slight calf issue, indicating that he should be fit for the next game. Lemina, who has had a slow start to the season compared to his previous performances, acknowledged his recent struggles on the pitch, hinting that a break might benefit him.
Considering Lemina’s reduced form, O’Neil faces a crucial decision concerning the midfielder’s role in the squad. While Lemina has shown glimpses of his abilities, resting him could be a bold move that might reinvigorate his performance. With key players like Doyle and Gomes stepping up in recent matches, O’Neil has options to explore in reshaping the team’s midfield dynamics.
It remains to be seen how O’Neil will handle Lemina’s situation. With Wolves aiming for their first Premier League win, a strategic change in midfield personnel could be the catalyst for a positive shift in their fortunes.
